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Depends on the industry. I think for software development, this advice holds true. We're at a time where really good developers are at a premium, so to get good

Depends on the industry. I think for software development, this advice holds true. We're at a time where really good developers are at a premium, so to get good work you'll have to pay for it. There's also another side to this: don't create ultimatums for your employer. I don't know about you guys, but I get contacted by recruiters nearly every day. There is a huge demand for our work. This makes it very easy to "hold your boss hostage" but it only breeds contempt and distrust as they look at you as someone with one foot out the door. The best time to negotiate salary is up front, or while being promoted.

rhizome 14y ago
it only breeds contempt and distrust as they look at you as someone with one foot out the door. Are there any anecdotes or anything about this actually having an effect on anybody's job, or that it actually exists at all? Surely there are people here who have managed those who have gone down this path who can speak to its practical results.
- gav 14y ago
  In my experience it works like this: you go to your boss as part of the review cycle and ask for a raise and your boss goes off and talks to the people that make those decisions. They say no. You tell your boss that you are going to look elsewhere, as you are on good terms, they ask you to at least see if they'll make a counter-offer before you hand in your notice. You end up getting more money than you wanted in the first place, your boss is happy that they've kept you. Any sensible manager should know that if your staff is underpaid, they are very likely to be looking elsewhere. Personally I've always been supportive of my employees looking elsewhere, do you really want people that only work for you because nobody else will have them?
RyJones 14y ago
Anecdata: when I left my last job, I made it clear I wasn't asking for a raise or match. I was leaving, very sorry to do so, but if someone tried to hold me hostage for a raise, I'd fire them.
- dpritchett 14y ago
  Can you elaborate on that a bit? It sounds like you are unwilling to negotiate with your employees.
  - RyJones 14y ago
    Terribly sorry, I should have written more clearly. I was the employee leaving; they asked why, if I was unhappy about the pay, didn't I ask for a raise? I said that were I an employer, I would fire any employee who held me hostage for a raise, so I would not ask for one.

rhizome 14y ago

it only breeds contempt and distrust as they look at you as someone with one foot out the door. Are there any anecdotes or anything about this actually having an effect on anybody's job, or that it actually exists at all? Surely there are people here who have managed those who have gone down this path who can speak to its practical results.

gav 14y ago
In my experience it works like this: you go to your boss as part of the review cycle and ask for a raise and your boss goes off and talks to the people that make those decisions. They say no. You tell your boss that you are going to look elsewhere, as you are on good terms, they ask you to at least see if they'll make a counter-offer before you hand in your notice. You end up getting more money than you wanted in the first place, your boss is happy that they've kept you. Any sensible manager should know that if your staff is underpaid, they are very likely to be looking elsewhere. Personally I've always been supportive of my employees looking elsewhere, do you really want people that only work for you because nobody else will have them?

RyJones 14y ago

Anecdata: when I left my last job, I made it clear I wasn't asking for a raise or match. I was leaving, very sorry to do so, but if someone tried to hold me hostage for a raise, I'd fire them.

dpritchett 14y ago
Can you elaborate on that a bit? It sounds like you are unwilling to negotiate with your employees.
- RyJones 14y ago
  Terribly sorry, I should have written more clearly. I was the employee leaving; they asked why, if I was unhappy about the pay, didn't I ask for a raise? I said that were I an employer, I would fire any employee who held me hostage for a raise, so I would not ask for one.